Stories by Marc Vitali

Judy Collins On A Life in Music

The award-winning singer-songwriter talks about her late friend Leonard Cohen and an upcoming tour with Stephen Stills launching this week at Ravinia.

Rauner Calls Lawmakers Back to Capitol for Education Funding Battle

Lawmakers will have much to discuss during yet another special session, this time on education spending. Three Illinois teachers weigh in.

‘To The Bone’ Risks Serving as ‘How-to Manual’ for Anorexia, Says Psychologist

With 20 million American women and 10 million men expected to suffer from an eating disorder sometime in their lives, some are concerned the film could serve as a blueprint.

Shedd Unveils 1,600-Pound Seahorse Sculpture Made From Ocean Garbage

Stella the Seahorse is the first of 19 marine animal sculptures made from plastic debris on display at Shedd Aquarium. 

Behind the Scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo’s New Penguin Encounter

For the first time, Lincoln Park Zoo is offering visitors a chance to get up close and personal with their African penguins. We meet three waddling, webbed-feet bachelors.

Education Funding Fight Could Prompt Special Session

Schools are caught in the crossfire between Democrats and Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who said Friday he’ll call legislators back to Springfield if they don’t release Senate Bill 1 to him by noon Monday.

Judge to Rule July 28 on Cook County Soda Tax

A Cook County judge will rule on the controversial penny-per-ounce sugar-sweetened beverage tax next week.

2 California Sea Lion Pups Debut at Brookfield Zoo

After spending their first weeks learning to swim and bonding with their mothers, Lucy and Taylor make their public debut.

Durbin Pushes for Release of Plan to Keep Asian Carp Out of Great Lakes

A plan to fortify a barrier against Asian carp was set to be released in February but has been stalled by the Trump administration. 

The Week in Review: Layoffs Hit After Pop Tax Fizzles

Cook County layoffs spark a war of words. Chicago drivers get red-light ticket relief. Shakeup in the governor’s office. Revived Cubs are winning again, and the Sox go on a trade tirade.

Historical Happy Hour: A Toast to Alice Peurala

For decades, the steel industry forged Chicago’s industrial spine. Now, we forge a no-nonsense drink for the no-nonsense lady who brought the titans of steel to their knees.

New Book Celebrates Classic Images of Chicago

Richard Cahan and Michael Williams spend a lot of time digging through old photos of Chicago, and together have created 14 stunning books. Take a look at their latest, “Chicago: Classic Photographs.”

Heavy Rain Drenches Northern Illinois, Raises Concerns of Flooding

Heavy rainfall drenched northern Illinois Wednesday night and Thursday morning. And more is on the way. The Des Plaines and Fox Rivers have seen water levels rise and remain areas of concern.

July 20, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 20, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Where Do School Funding and Reforms Stand in Springfield?

Illinois State Sens. Heather Steans and Karen McConnaughay report on the status of school funding and which reforms were passed this session.

City Settles Red Light Camera Lawsuit for $38.75 Million

The city has settled a massive lawsuit with more than a million drivers and will partially reimburse those tickets. Here’s what you need to know.

Speeding Toward the Future of Driverless Cars

You won’t find driverless cars whizzing through the streets of Chicago today. But behind the scenes, companies are testing and implementing technology for cars to navigate sans human input.

Enrollment Down, Per-Pupil Spending Inches Up in New CPS Budgets

Despite the fight in Springfield over education funding, Chicago Public Schools leaders say they will open to students in the fall—but with fewer students.

CPS Making ‘Major Changes’ to Special Ed Funding

Teachers and principals spent the past year criticizing the way Chicago Public Schools handles special education funding. The district now says it’s planning major changes in the new fiscal year.

Meet the Athletic Artists Behind Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’

The French Canadian circus rolled into town this week, and Chicago Tonight got a backstage pass to meet the performers.

Preckwinkle and Dart Spar Over Cook County Layoffs

Why the stalled soda tax has unleashed a war of words between Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

July 19, 2017 - Full Show

Watch the July 19, 2017 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

William J. Kelly Running as Republican Alternative to Rauner

The field of Democratic candidates running for governor is especially crowded, but there is only one Republican aiming to challenge Bruce Rauner. And he'll face the governor’s formidable campaign war chest.

Chicago Inspector General Uncovers City Worker Scandals

Chicago Inspector General Joe Ferguson joins us to discuss his office’s investigative work.

Jim DeRogatis: Parents Claim R. Kelly is Holding Women in a ‘Cult’

Parents accuse singer R. Kelly of keeping their daughter and other women in a cult. We speak with the journalist who broke the story.

‘We Teach, We Don’t Preach’: Public School Teachers Find Space for Religion in the Classroom

Dozens of Chicago-area public school teachers are getting a taste of several world religions this week as part of a course designed to increase their religious literacy.
 

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